THE ban on bee-killing pesticides (neonicotinoids) could be lifted this week by Liz Truss, the environment minister.

These chemicals were banned in the European Union in 2013.

As well as being a threat to our native species of bees, including rare species and other wildlife, these chemicals will also impact upon beekeepers, honey production and upon crop pollinator services.

Last year the government gagged it’s own Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP) as it did not back the ban against its own terms of reference and the Government’s own code of practice for scientific advisory committees.

Last year my local MP Neil Carmichael informed me that he was opposing Liz Truss when she was attempting to lift the ban.

I hope that he will continue to do so, particularly as his local constituency includes Stroud which is the World’s First Bee Guardian town.

Daniel Atter

Brimscombe